Chapter 80: Find the New in the Familiar

Posted on October 21, 2015

“The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” –
Marcel Proust

Many of us do similar things each day. Our routines can become familiar and boring. But there is a simple exercise that can help us change our perspective. It comes from Harvard psychology professor Ellen Langer. She suggests noticing five new things each day anywhere you happen to be. Try looking around on your way to work, in your kitchen, at the gym, or in your local coffee shop. By noticing new things, we step into the present fully and mindfully and open ourselves to better health and happiness.